Collection Inventory

Series I.Stephen Foster, 1837-1900

Scope and Content Notes:

This series includes those materials owned and/or directly created by Stephen Foster, including his manuscript material, correspondence, personal possessions, and other items in his autograph, and makes up the centerpiece of the Foster Hall Collection.

Subseries 1.Foster's Personal Possessions, 1837-1864

Scope and Content Notes:

This subseries contains possessions owned by Foster, including his personal books, sheet music, and musical instruments.

Section: Books Owned by Foster, 1837-1863

Scope and Content Notes:

This section contains published books that were owned by Foster.

B5185 .P5 1854 Holy Bible (Philadelphia: E.H. Butler & Co.), 1854

Formerly owned by Foster's daughter, Marion, who verified that this copy belonged to her parents.

M1746 .N375 1849 National Melodies of Scotland United to the Songs of Robert Burns, Allan Ramsay and Other Eminent Lyric Poets with Symphonies and Accompaniments for the Pianoforte by Haydn, Pleyel, Lozeluch (London; New York; John & Frederick Tallis), 1849

This is the book of "Scotch melodies" Foster asked his brother Morrison to send to him in his letter of October 22, 1858.

Eight-keyed rosewood flute pitched in D built by Chabrier Peloubet circa 1850-1855. Bears a silver band engraved with "Stephen C. Foster to William Hamilton 1857." Hamilton was a boyhood friend of Foster's. The flute was eventually passed on to Hamilton's grandson, Alfred R. Hamilton, who gave it to the Stephen Foster Memorial at the University of Pittsburgh.

E2 Piano owned by Foster, undated

Standard nineteenth-century six-octave square piano with rosewood case. Built by Dubois & Stodart, 167 Broadway, New York. On loan from the Carnegie Museum.

E3 Melodeon owned by Foster, undated

Three-octave instrument with oak case. Features knee bellows, detachable legs and shoulder straps for portability when serenading. Built by the George A. Prine Company of Buffalo and Chicago. Believed to have been acquired by Foster in Pittsburgh circa 1850-60. Eventually given, or sold, by Foster to his friend, George K. Flower.

Red Box B. Two Silver Spoons, undated

Given to the composer and his wife as wedding presents. One bears engraved initials "JDF" [Jane Denny Foster] and bears "J.B. McFadden & Co." on back of handle. The other bears "D. Reinman" on back of handle.

Subseries 2.Death Realia, 1837-1863

Scope and Content Notes:

This subseries contains materials related to the death of Stephen Foster, including correspondence and hospital documents.

A361 Letter from George Cooper to Morrison Foster, January 12, 1864 (1.0 folders)

Letter from George Cooper to Morrison Foster informing him that Stephen has been hospitalized at Bellevue and asking, on Stephen's behalf, for financial assistance. Erroneously dated Jan. 12, 1863.

Made by a staff member of Bellevue Hospital at the time of Foster's death. Ink on ruled paper, "Ward 11. Stephen Foster. Died Jan. 13. Coat. Pants. Vest. Hat. Shoes. Overcoat. Jan. 10, 1864." On reverse, "Beller." The second date refers to Foster's admission. It has been speculated that the name Beller may refer to a doctor of possibly the person who made the inventory.

Copies located at 10693. Original ambrotype of Foster posed nearly full-face. Probably made after 1854.

26163 Tinytpe of Foster, 1859-1863

Original tintype of Foster posed with elbow on table, chin resting on hand. Note that this photographic process reversed the image. Probably the portrait referred to in Foster's letter to his brother Morrison, June 13, 1859.

Acquired from Mrs. Edward Candor of Upper Montclair, New Jersey, October 24, 1939.

25989 Silhouette of Foster in frame, by M. Hubard, inscribed to and presented by W. Pond, undated

Subseries 4. Manuscripts, 1837-1863

Scope and Content Notes:

This subseries contains manuscripts written in Foster's hands, including music manuscripts, his account records, and correspondence. The most significant item in this subseries is Foster's manuscript or sketchbook, which has been fully digitized and may be viewed
online through Pitt's Digital Research Library.

Section: Music Manuscripts, 1837-1863

Scope and Content Notes:

This section contains the individual music manuscripts written in Foster's hand.

Commercial ledger book bearing "Stephen C. Foster" in autograph on flyleaf recto. Contains records of expenses, such as washing and room rents, as well as payments from Foster's publishers, Firth, Pond and Company. Measures 7-3/8" by 5-1/4" , includes on ruled blue paper with thumb-index guides. A photostat created in the 1930s is available at the Center for American Music.

Stephen Foster’s sketchbook is a twelve- by eight-inch (30.9 x 20.5 cm) book of 113 leaves half-bound in brown leather with heavy paper boards covered in red and blue marbleized paper. All entries are in similar handwriting in pencil, except for red pencil for verse 1 of “Old Black Joe” (p.109v); all on same paper. The book is inscribed “Allegheny City June 26 1851” in Foster’s hand on page 1 recto and appears to span a nine-year period.

The sketchbook includes draft texts for sixty-four different songs including several of his most popular ones; a few pages include sketches of the music. Several of the draft lyrics are for unpublished songs (these are noted with brackets around the titles). The book also contains odd jottings, scribbles, doodles, and exercises in which Foster apparently practiced his signature and initials. A number of pages were torn out and are missing.

One page had been cut out by the composer’s granddaughter; it has been recovered and placed in its original position.

The famed scrap of paper found in Foster's wallet after his death bearing the words "Dear friends and gentle hearts" in his autograph. Allegedly the last thing written by Foster and assumed to have been an idea for an unwritten song.

Standard printed bank draft with steel engravings. Written in Foster's autograph: "$50. Warren, O, May 31, 1860 One day After Sight Pay to the order of M. Foster Fifty Dollars value received and charge the same to the account of Very Respy Yours S.C. Foster To Firth Pond & Co. New York." Referred to in a letter to Morrison Foster (A342) which accompanied the draft. It is not known why Morrison never cashed the draft.

C920 List of songs with prediction of future earnings, given to Firth Pond by Foster, undated

This item is a photocopy; the original is held by the Library of Congress, call number ML95 .F8.

I wish you to send me a commic songster for you promised to. if I had my pensyl I could rule my paper. or if I had the money to by Black ink But if I had my whistle I would be so taken with it I do not think I would write atall. there has been a sleighing party this morning with twenty or thirty cupple. Dr. Bane got home last night and told us Henry was coming out here I wish Dunning would come with him tell them bothh to try to come for I should like to see them both most two much to talk about.

As Mr. Mitchell is going to start for Towanda to day, I thougt I would write you a line concerning my studies as he says you will not be here for more than a week.

My Philosophy Grammar & Arithmetic not being enough to keep me going I would ask your permission to Study either Latin or Bookkeeping.

I have no place to study in the evenings as the little ones at Mr. Herricks keep such a crying and talking that it’s impossible to read. There is a good fire place in my room and if you will just say the word I will have a fire in it at nights and learn something. When you come don’t forget my waistcoat at the tailors. there are several little articles which I need though I have no room to mention them. I must stop writing as I am very cold.

As you wish to have me go to Athens for fear I will not learn enough in this place, I will tell you what my ideas were on the subject.

Mr. Vosberry is a very good mathematition, and as he has quit keeping school he is going to occupy a private room in the house of Mr. Elwell.

Mr. Kettle will be here tomorrow and will stop at Barlett & Fords. he will have a room there but will not be in it in the daytime as his paint room will be at another house. Mr. Ford says he will board me and give me a good a room as I wish for $2.00 per week.

If you will let me board here (while you stay) and room with Kettle I will promise not to be seen out of doors between the hours of nine & twelve A.M. and one & four P.M. Which hours I will attribute to study, such as you please to put me into. I will also promise not to pay any attention to my music untill after eight Oclock in the evening after which time Mr. Kettle will probably be in the room as he cannot paint after dark. I don’t se how I could have a better chance for study. & the above price is as cheap as I could live in Athens that lonesome place-— can go over to recite in the forenoon at about 10 oclock and in the afternoon at 4—do please consent.

Your affectionate & grateful brother

Stephen

Please pay Mr. D. Mitchell $3.00 which I borrowed from him to pay for pumps, subscription &c for the exhibition. I allso owe Mr. Vandercook a very small amount. Don’t pay Mr. Herrick for fire in my room as I have not had any since you payed him last.

I arrived her on last Tuesday, and found among the quantity of Students of this institution , several of my old acquaintances.

This is a very pretty situation where I board as it is on an elivation of about four hundred feet. We have about two hundred and thirty students here at the present time, and a library of about 1500 volumes.

Pat left this on Wednesday last and is now at Warren I believe.

The tuition instead of being $5.00 amounts to $12.50 and boarding $2.00 per week.

Pa paid my tuition bill in advance, as is customary at this place. There is several other bills which I have not paid as I have not the means. Such as 2 or $3.00 for joining one of the literary societies, as all of the students belong to them I was requested to joiin one and put it of for a couple of weeks, for as Pa has not much more than the means of getting along I thought I would write you this letter that you might considder over the matter. I will also have to pay boarding bill at the end of every month which will amount to $8.50 that is at the end of four weeks and a half which generally makes a month, and if you see fit to send me a little of the bino. Once in a while I will insure you there is no inducements here to make me spend any money unnecessarily. I will allso have to pay about $1.25 per week for washing as I have to keep myself very clean here.

I would inform you in the meantime I need another summer coat or two especially for Sunday.

The Ohio river is very low and falling gradually. The boats have ceased runing.

As I have made out a mideling long letter and am clear out of information (news) I would only say, wishing you a safe journey home and through life, and that I may some day be fit to render thanks to you for your unceasing kindness to me. I remane your ever grateful and affectionate brother

I suppose that you are surprised and probably displeased at me for not being more punctual in writing to you every fortnight, as you wished to have me do. I will therefore proceed to make my best excuses.

When I wrote to you from Canonsburg I did not tell you whether I liked the place or not (if I remember aright) but now I will take the liberty of telling you that I became more disgusted with the place as long as I stayed in it. It is not a good time to begin college in the middle of the Session as I could not get into any class for three or four days after I went there, and when I did get started into a recitation it was in irregular hours.

If I had went as a regular student I might have been examined and got along very easily, but going as I did just to stay a session or two, I suppose they did not care much whether I was attended to or not. Besides, when I had been there but five days I took sick (from a disiness in my head occasioned by an overflow of the blood) and was confined to bed for two days.* [In a footnote:] *Whenever I would go to raise up out of bed I would become so dizy that I could scarcely see.

In the night of the second day of my Sickness, my nose took to bleeding which made me feel better the next morning.

It so happened that one of the students was coming in to town that day (Samuel Montgomery of Pittsburg) and I concluded I would come in with him, as he asked me to.

When I left Canonsburg your letter had not arrived. So that I wrote to Mr. Mercur (brother to the Mercur’s in Towanda) to forward it on as soon as it arrived, but nevertheless I did not receive it untill about two weeks after won wrote it. Although you told me not to wate for your letters when I wrote, still I expected it every day so that I was put of beyond the regular time.

When I did get it we were just preparing to move over here, which kept me buisy for two or three days, and as soon as we got partly moved I commenced going to School to Mr. Moody—So that I never got a fair chance to write untill to-day.

I hope that you will pardon me for writing to you so extensively on the money subject. But at the same time I will let you know that a boy comes out mighty thin in Canonsburg without some of it in his pocket.

Pa had not told me that he would furnish me with as much money as I needed, or I would not have troubled you on that subject.

As we were all talking over different subjects the other evening among others the subject of the Navy was talked of. Now a midshipman is just what I fancy.

Pa is away in Washington county at a temperance meeting and will return this evening I think.

With these few lines I will bring to a close by stating that we are all well and in good spirits. Hopeing that you will ever be blessed with the same qualities I remain your ever affectionate and justly dutiful brother

Stephen

I will try hereafter to come up to the mark in the letter writing line.

In one of your letters you expressed a desire that I should compose for you some organ music, but as I have no knowledge of that instrument I have thought it advisable not to explore my ignorance. I have, however, seen Mr. Mellor who has promised to lend me some music that he thinks will suit, which I will copy and send to you.

Henry has written home saying that he would like to change places with some person until he may have time to come to Pitt. and rest himself, and as it would be a very pleasant change I have thought of taking his place in Washington. If I do so I will, no doubt, have an opportunity of visiting you. He seems to think that there is no chance of advancement in the office which he now holds and if he can get a good situation here he will let me make a permanent stay as Washn.

We have received one letter from Dunning since he left us I suppose he visited Paradise on his way east he had not, when he wrote, visited Philadelphia, where (as you must know) his true-love is staying.

I am writing amidst the bustle of the Hope ware-house you must forgive therefore my haste.

We are all well excepting little Tom, who has had quite a fever but is now getting better.

I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 21st inst. and to give you what information I can touching the subject of your inquiry.

I gave manuscript copies of each of the songs “Lou’siana Belle”—“Uncle Ned”--& “Oh, Susanna” to several persons before I gave them to Mr. Peters for publication, but in neither instance with any permission nor restriction in regard to publishing them, unless contained in a letter to Mr. Roark accompanying the m.s. of “Uncle Ned” – although of this I am doubtful. Mr. Peters has my receipt for each of the songs.

The only information which I can give you in regard to dates, as my memory does not serve me, must be in copying the years named on the title-pages of the Cincinnati publications, from which I infer that “Lou’siana Belle” was copy-righted in 1847 – the others in 1848.

If I see Mr. Roark (who lives in our city) I will give you further information in regard to the letter which I wrote him. I have the honor, sir, to subscribe myself

I write to say that I am to be married on Monday next to Miss Jane, daughter of the late Dr. McDowell of this place, and that we will start on the same evening for Baltimore and New York, The trip will be on business as much as for pleasure, as I wish to see my publishers in the east as soon as possible, Therefore I regret that I cannot, to my own advantage, pay you a visit in going, although I will pass very near your house. We will however endeavor to give you a call in returning, but this may not be for several months. We are to have a small wedding. With love to Mr. Buchanan and the dear children.

Your letter of the 6th is received. The vest arrived safely, I am glad you sent it. I wish you could send me Mess. F.P. & Co.’s note for 125$ which I gave you. In my anxiety to pay you I rather stinted myself expecting to be able to live modestly at home, but circumstances have increased my expense as you know since that time. They have just rendered my account which is over five hundred dollars, and that for the dullest season of the year, so you can see my prospects are good but I dare not claim any money until these notes are all paid, though full amt of my a/c current is passed to my credit, & bal. Due to be claimed after that time. If you will let me have the note I will take the first occaision to pay you. I am not living expensively, and I hope it will not be long before I can pay you back the amt.

I made it payable to your order, so, if you send it, don’t forget to indorse it.

I am getting along first rate, with plenty of work to keep me busy.

Hippodrome no humbug, races there very exciting. Taylor’s new saloon great. Sontag opera with Salvi Seffaroni &c. next week. Crystal Palace in a week. Fourth of July here good for nervous sick people I dare say, cleared myself out of town, went over to Staten Island and saw Vin Smith. Gilliad and wife at Niagra – home next week. I am bringing out a couple of good songs. Love to all

You will be delighted to hear that I have received a letter from Dunning written at New Orleans conveying cheering news with regard to his health. He says that he is so much improved in health as to feel that he will ultimately overcome his complaint entirely, at the same time saying that he has suffered a great deal both in body and mind. His letter is full of affection expressed towards us all and of deep feelings on the subject of our dear mother’s death. He hopes to visit us all in the summer, naming in this connection Youngstown, Allegheny City & Philada. Pa’s health has been excellent ever since you left us. I have taken great care to see that he is treated with regularity and system. Biddy is my main stay, and is even a much better girl than I had expected to find her. Margaret is also an excellent girl. I found, for many reasons, that Mrs. Gibson was any thing but an assistance to us, though her intentions for the most part were good. She and Carry, her daughter, have gone home. I get along much better without having any strangers in the house except as servants. I hope dear Mary’s health is firmly established by this time. Mit. is in Philada. With love to all.

Your affectionate brother

Stephen

Jane sends her love. She is making summer dresses for Marion. Please let me hear for you.

Your letter from Point Pleasant has been received, and I am glad to know the whereabouts of the great North American ballad singer. When can you promise to appear again before a Pittsburgh audience? Masonic Hall can be had now. I have also had an engagement, tendered me, but I declined. Kleber is going to give a concert and he has offered me the post of first anvil player in the “Anvil Chorus” from a new opera. I was unwilling to go through the course of training and dieting requiste for the undertaking, and consequently declined. I understand he has sent to Europe for a “first anvil.” We have had another little political brush in the election of Mayor, but there was very little excitement.

I have not yet received the Cincinnati Gazette and suppose that puff has not appeared. I will send you by this mail a copy of “Jeanie with the light brown hair” if I can find a copy. Mit is now living with us. James Buchanan returned yesterday from a long visit home. Mrs. F. and Miss Maggie are quite well. Your account of your appearance on stage rather got them.

I am much obliged to you for that dog, “Rat-trap” as we call him, on account of his well known ferocity toward those animals. You must pardon me if I inform you that he is now with us no more. He continued to devour shoes, stockings, spools, the Cat and everything else that he could find lying around loose. At last we held a council of war, and thought we would put him in the cellar. There he stayed for three weeks and howled all the time, and would have howled until now if I had not let him out. I was afraid the neighbors would inform on us for keeping a nusiance. Solitary confinement did not agree with him. He lost his appetite. Then I gave him some garlic as you had instructed me. This gave him a sort of diarrhea, and he got into Mit’s room and relieved himself on his bed, then he scattered his dirty shirts over the floor, sprinkled his shoes and played hob generally. This performance seemed to bring him to his appetite, for that same evening he stole a whole beef steak off the Kitchen table and swallowed it raw. We concluded that this was too much to stand even from “Friendships offering,” so I made up my mind to trade him off. John Little had a friend in Chicago who wanted just such a dog, so he gave me a very fine Scotch terrier eighteen months old for him. “Trap” is enjoying the lakebreezes. I am very much obliged to you for that dog.

I recd. the medicine you sent me for Bill Blakely and took it over to him. I also left with him all the directions contained in both your letters. Bill looks worse than when I last saw him, and he told me that he had been sinking for the past two weeks more than formerly. He says that your medicine is much better than that by the same name which he has been using. I will call on Cupid and get the shaving fixings.

If you are not in any particular hurry for Benton’s books I would like to read a little in them before sending them to you.

Please give my love to Brother William and ask him whether he would like to have me send him the Assembly books that Pa had. We are all well—

Your Affec. bro

S.C. Foster

If you have the book containing Scotch melodies I wish you could send it to me, I will return it to you. I have sent to F.P. & Co. the song “Sadly to mine heart appealing” (Lyrics suggested on hearing an old Scottish melody) and would like to select an old tune for the introductory symphony. If you have not the book probably you can tell me where to find one.

Neither Henry nor I feel inclined to go to Cincinnati, but our old friend Tom Smith says he will go willingly. I told him he should have his passage free if he paid for his meals. This he has agreed to. I will pay the $3 – extra passage. Will this suit? If so let me know and send me the pass, and I will notify Mary when to be at Salem.

By the way, there is an excellent man named James Gray here who desires to see him family in Cincinnati. He is a hard working Glass blower. He says he could get off from duty if he could only afford to pay his passage. If it can be done send a pass for him. I like his general character.

Mary Wick, Jane, Marion and I start tomorrow for Cincinnati on Billy Hamilton’s boat, the “Ida May.” We all went to see Miss Davenport last night at the “old” theatre. We will stirr old John McClellan up in Cincinnati, make the children sing and bring in Billy’s bass voice. The trip will be a recreation and variety for me. Siss gets along very well since mother’s death. We had a nice duck supper with her the other evening. She had plenty of jokes about Andy as usual.

Our old friend Bill Blakely died this morning. There is a very favorable notice in the evening’s “Chronicle.” I posted O’Neil on the matter. When I saw him last he said he wondered whether he would ever see you again.

I went to Baden on Saturday, and took Jane with me. I saw Mr Deerdorf who said that the crops had been bad and dull payments &c &c. In short, he had not the money. He had not recd “the scratch of a pen” from you in a long time that you had not demanded the money when it was due, &c. I asked him when he would be ready with the money, he said, about the 1st of October. I told him to leave it with Henry. We took dinner and tea at Mr. Aderson’s. He was not at home, but the girls were. Mrs. Berry (the youngest daughter) is very pretty and entertaining, being a combination of Mary Wick, Mary McClelland, Mrs Mitchell, Mrs. Woods, &c.

Herewith I send you a draft on Firth Pond & Co. for $50 – which I wish you to hold for ten days, and, if you can conveniently, please send me the amount by return mail. There will be no trouble about payment of the draft. I have only one song to finish in the time mentioned. I desire you to pay Mr. Shoenberger (the landlord) at the end of the month as I engaged to do, and have told him that I would pay him when I hear from Cleveland.

I received a very cheering letter yesterday from F.P. & Co. and feel in good spirits generally.

Jesse Thornton arrived yesterday looking very well. We all did our best to give him a hearty welcome, and you never saw such a happy family. He informed me that Jessie (yours) was in Cleveland, therefore I infer that you have been in Pittsburgh since I saw you. I expect to start for New York, before very long and hope to see you both.

Please send me by return mail $12 – I have received from F.P. & Co. a letter stating that they cannot advance me any more money till I send them the songs now due them (about two as I make the calculation) as our present agreement is about expiring. They show a disposition to renew agreement, but, very properly required payment in music before any new arrangement. I have entered into an arrangement with a new house for part of my music, but, as the terms are not entirely fixed, I cannot well draw on them just now. I expect to be in Cleveland very soon on my way to New York, and will be able to settle with you. I require this amount for little washing bills &c. which are, you know, the most perplexing. Please send the amt. immediately in receipt of this.

Jane and Marion are well, also Etty’s family. I am very well, but had, as I supposed a slight touch of ague yesterday. I think today that it was only a false alarm. I have written two songs since I have been in Warren and have two under way, but do not feel inclined to send them off half made up. Much love to Jessie.

D001 From Stephen Foster to Morrison Foster, April 27, 1849 (Item is a typed copy. )

Cincinnati April 27, 1849

Dear Mit

You must be tired waiting for an answer to the many favors which I have received from you not the least welcome of which was that, introducing to my acquaintance Signor Biscaccianti and his accomplished lady. I called on Madame B. and was as much delighted by her conversation and agreeable manners as I was subsequently by her singing at her concerts. She spoke very affectionately of you and the ladies who accompanied you on the occasion of your visit to her as if you had been her own brother as well as mine. Her concerts were very well attended here, indeed such was her encouragement, notwithstanding the formidable opposition carried on at the theatre by Mr. Macready, that she expressed an intention to return after she should have made a visit to Louisville where she is now singing.

In writing to Gil Smith please say that I am very much grieved at having been the cause of so much trouble and humiliation to him on account of a miserable song, and tell him that if he has not already burned the copyright (and I certainly should have done) he may give it to Mess Firth & Pond any time that he may be in the neighborhood of No. 1 Franklin Square. If they will him 10$ 5$ or even 1$ for it, let him make a donation of the amt to the Orphans Asylum or any other charitable or praiseworthy institution. Mess F. & P have written to me for the song. ("Nelly Was a Lady" was the song here referred to.)

I did not read the articles which I marked in the Atlas but supposed them to be written in the usual style of the editor whom I consider the most powerful and talented writer in the West, therefore you must not blame me if he treated of Kamtchatka or Noatka sound, I merely desired that you should have a touch of his quality.

Tell Ma she need not trouble herself about the health of Cincinnati as our weather here is very healthy the cholera not having made its appearance. There is something about letter writing which so runs away with my hand that my ideas can find no interpreter I think I must study photography which will probably remove this blind bridle orthography, and give my brain a lighter harness to work in.

This subseries includes records and correspondence regarding Foster's earnings after his death. These were all records kept and maintained by Foster's brother, Morrison, who entered into an agreement with each of Foster's original publishers that secured any earnings for Foster's widow, Jane, and his daughter, Marion, and who took it upon himself to re-register many of Foster's songs so that they remained under copyright after their initial expiration. Of greatest interest perhaps are Morrison's early letters with William A. Pond, a publisher who tried to avoid paying Foster's heirs. Morrison refused to relent to their bullying tactics. Also of interest is Morrison's attempt to restore his brother's name on "Old Folks at Home" which had been attributed to E.P. Christy.

D196 July 1884 statement of royalties from William A. Pond & Co., July 1, 1884

Requesting that Morrison redraw agreements to fix errors. Wants to be able to sell copies on hand he has of songs that were printed before the copyright expiration. Claims Stephen owed them over $1,000 at the time of his death. Morrison's response on back includes that he made the changes and indicated that there is no way he will permit them to continue to sell songs with expired copyrights.

Indicating the check supposed to be enclosed in his Sept. 2nd letter was not there, but even if it were, it would not be accepted until the matter about royalties on songs with expired copyrights has been resolved. Until all is resolved the contract remains in abeyance. He cannot fathom why they keep bringing up the money Stephen owed them when Stephen made them thousands of dollars.

D211 Letter from William A. Pond to Morrison Foster, September 9, 1879

Seeking to correct Morrison's claim that they were planning on printing a large quantity of songs just before the copyrights expired and selling them -- what Pond wants to do is merely get rid of the stock they already have. Also enclosed the missing check. Morrison's response on back indicates he agrees.

Clarifying past royalty agreements and how royalty rate was tied to price. Proposes $50 advance instead of $100. Morrison's response on back: requests 3 cent uniform royalty regardless of price. Asking for a list of songs that Ponds owns that expire that year and asks that Pond reenter them for copyright in Jane and Marion's names. Suggests it would be great for them to issue a cheap volume of Foster's melodies.

Agreeing to his proposition from June to pay Marion & Jane a three cents per copy royalty, and $100 advance. Would like the heirs to recognize the reentry. Emphasizes that it's legal to re-copyright under the publisher's name provided heirs assent to it. Morrison's response on back indicates that it is Pond's responsibility (and expense) to re-enter copyrights. Wants the $1.00 it cost him to reenter "Oh, Boys."

This letter is a copy. Granting permission to publish songs for 3 and 4 cent royalty. Lists songs. Requesting $20.00 advance against royalties. Copyrights must be taken out in Jane and Marion's names. Asking if anything was done about those songs originally copyrighted in 1849 and 1850, as well as "Farewell Old Cottage." Also wants a copy of previous royalties.

Item is a copy. Draft agreement requesting checks be made payable to Jane's married name, requesting removal of Christy's name from "Old Folks at Home," granting permission to renew "Old Folks at Home."

This series includes possessions, correspondence, photographs, manuscripts, and business records of Stephen Foster's immediate family, including his parents, siblings, daughter and niece. Much of the correspondence and records pre-date Foster's birth and help to provide a vivid picture of Pittsburgh during the first half of the 19th century.

Subseries 1.Foster Family Photos, 1800-1900

Scope and Content Notes:

This subseries contains original photographs of members of Stephen Foster's immediate family.

This subseries contains manuscripts created by Stephen Foster's immediate family, including correspondence, original writings, and scrapbooks.

Section: Correspondence, 1800-1950

Scope and Content Notes:

This section includes correspondence written by Stephen Foster's immediate family, in their hands and typed transcripts of some of the original correspondence written by Stephen Foster that is contained in the Stephen Foster series. Of particular note is the correspondence by Marion Foster Welsh, Stephen Foster's daughter, discussing her memories of her father and the rift that sprung up between her and other family members after his death.

D331 From Henrietta Foster to William B. Foster, Jr., April 30, 1836 (typed transcript at C845)

C393 From Eliza Foster to Charlotte Foster, November 2, 1821

Encouraging Charlotte to be open in her letters and to save them; family returned from Greensburg; "your father has been drawing a few tunes on the violin for your little brother & sister to dance"; general info on neighbors, friends.

To Cincinnati; she had no idea where to contact her; when will you come visit us, compared to your goings on in Louisville we must seem quite dull; hearing so much gossip about Charlotte and Beauxs that she fears Charlotte is becoming a coquette.

To Louisville; brief admonishment from Ann Eliza for Charlotte not writing to her; Miss Aston listing what has been sent to Charlotte and what she will be taking to her, disappointment that they won't see her in Cincinnati.

From Cincinnati; description of Mr. Boson, the bearer of the letter; suggests that Stephen should be called Jefferson or Adams, local social goings on; inquiring about what happened btwn her and Henry Baldwin.

From Louisville; worried about Eliza's health; grateful for what a wonderful mother Eliza is; allusion to a friendship Wm & Eliza have blown out of proportion; she is healthy and gained weight; social gossip; description of house.

To Louisville; pleased Ann Eliza visited Federal Hill; best for Ann Eliza to come home and Charlotte to stay on with the Barclays--reasons will be explained when they return; will send Charlotte clothes; break in canal; social news.

From Louisville; received instructions but not sure is she will stay; Judge Rowan upset she has not visited Federal Hill again; social news; description of John Rowan; Ann Eliza is tired of company & unwell; A. Hill sent Ann Eliza an edition of Byron.

C446 From William B. Foster and Ann Eliza Foster to Charlotte Foster, September 2, 1829

To Louisville; chiding James Earnest for incorrectly telling her that he had lost his office; Canal news; wants her to wait to come home until the water is acceptable; description of election; social news; wishes for her good health.

From Louisville; delighted that he may visit; been attending Mr. Barclay's ill daughter who is now recovered; this has been a bad health year; will wait to leave until hearing from William; needs money; knows he wishes her to marry.

Sending Morrison Charlotte's letters, nothing of Stephen in them except mention that he had cholera after visiting Uncle Joshua [Tomlinson] in Augusta; wanted to burn her own letters because of what they show of who she was.

This is William, Jr.'s, wife; settled into wonderful new home, hope he will visit, have had a son, Henry Morrison and have friends being his sponsor (godparents?) since mother's (Eliza) decision was so long in coming.

Family news; description of travels; election news; three dollars enclosed for Eliza from Elizabeth. Included in envelope are photostats of a June 10, 1842 statement for a bridge estimate and a cover letter for that estimate dated Sept. 22, 1843.

Henrietta's recovery has been slowed b/c of sick baby; does not want Eliza to leave; when she returns home she will start thinking of her own needs as he advised her to do; Buchanan speaks highly of William, Jr.; family news.

Distraught to hear that ma is sick; willing to help however he can; Dunning is still ill; needs to borrow money from him; Henry owes him money and should make an effort to pay Morrison to make up Dunning's share of the family expenses; travel plans.

Very weak because of the weather; please send your acceptance for $200; not so sick that you need to come, shouldn't have stayed here this winter; note by Morrison that Dunning died soon after the letter w/ Henry, Morrison, & Stephen in attendance.

Remembered it's his birthday, contacted Thomas Struthers about "the matter we spoke of"; pray for Morrison & Stephy, the only two to remain willfully out of the church; I beg you to find God; family news.

Has not gotten the $100 due from Mr. McAnulty, needs William to send him $100; Ma with Henrietta and Stephen left two weeks ago for Augusta, Kentucky, where Eliza has brothers; family news; asking him to send endorsed blank note; got a raise.

C676 From Henry Foster and William B. Foster to William Foster, Jr., April 15, 1839

Dictating the letter for Pa; upset that they haven't heard from him; job is being held for him until they hear of his acceptance or refusal; copy of Thomas Struthers's letter; wants him to partner with John Homery in the lumber business.

Family news; we have concluded to let Stephen go with William who will put him to school at the academy in Towanda…I think it's an excellent chance for the dear little fellow to get an education; concerned about Morrison's health; telling him to study.

Family news; feel quite contented about Stephen; believe that William will take good care of him; he took him to see the Governor, the house of reps, and a fine concert in Harrisburg; encouraging him to work hard.

Travel plans; congressional improvements bill; we think it's time to receive another letter from Stephen, I hope he is attentive to his studies…tell him his old Uncle Struthers looks to him to become a very great man, he says he is confident he possess.

Thanking him for letter & $20; As to Stephen I leave everything re his future to your judgment West Point or the navy I have no choice; you are not only his brother but his father; family & social news; My fears in relation to [pa] have ended.

Need to make new living arrangements b/c of cost; wants to hear the current info on his engagement but has told no one; Stephen refuses to stay at Canonsburg & wants to come home; family news; wishing him well.

Enclosing a copy of the
NY Evening Post's Tribute to Foster. Reminiscing about how popular Foster was internationally. Requesting a memento of Foster. Includes postscript that
Harpers wants him to write an article on Foster.

Wants to create illustrated editions of "Old Folks at Home" and "My Old Kentucky Home" (Copeland editions). Morrison's response on back indicates they may proceed provided he makes arrangements with Pond and Ditson and that compensation go to his brother's heirs.

Pond has promised him a Foster manuscript to present to Judge Reed. Wants to know if Morrison has two copies of bio sketch he could give him. Morrison's response on bottom of letter indicates that he should send $4 to Percy Smith to obtain copies.

Included as enclosure for C869c correspondence from Monroe Crannell to Morrison Foster. Although Elliker states that the original of the 1852 letter is in the Foster collection, it apppears only this copy, made in Mr. Crannell's hand, is held by the Center for American Music. The whereabouts of the original document are not currently known.

Pittsburgh, May 25, 1852

E.P. Christy, Esq.

Dear Sir

As I once intimated to you, I had the intention of omitting my name on my Ethiopian songs, owing to the prejudice against them by some, which might injure my reputation as a writer of another style of music, but I find that by my efforts I have done a great deal to build up a taste for the Ethiopian songs among refined people by making the words suitable to their taste, instead of the trashy and really offensive words which belong to some of that order. Therefore I have concluded to reinstate my name on my songs and to pursue the Ethiopian business without fear or shame and lend all my energies to making the business live, at the same time that I will wish to establish my name as the best Ethiopian song-writer. But I am not encouraged in undertaking this so long as "The Old Folks At Home" stares me in the face with another's name on it. As it was at my own solicitation that you allowed your name to be placed on the song, I hope that the above reasons will be sufficient explanation for my desire to place my own name on it as author and composer, while at the same time I wish to leave the name of your band on the title page. This is a little matter of pride in myself which it will certainly be to your interest to encourage. On the receipt of your free consent to this proposition, I will, if you wish, willingly refund you the money which you paid me on that song, though it may have been sent me for other considerations than the one in question, and I promise in addition to write you an opening chorus in my best style, free of charge, and in any other way in my power to advance your interest hereafter. I find I cannot write at all unless I write for public approbation and get credit for what I write. As we may probably have a good deal of business with each other in our lives, it is best to proceed on a sure basis of confidence and good understanding, therefore I hope you will appreciate an author's feelings in the case and deal with me with your usual fairness. Please answer immediately.

Would like a sample of Foster's handwriting to put in a bound volume of his music that he's assembled for his private use. Note at bottom of letter (presumably to Morrison) asking if he can oblige this man's request.

Asking permission to use "My Old Kentucky Home" in an essay. Morrison's answer is on the bottom of the letter (dated Oct. 17, 1887) grants permission provided he contact William A. Pond to make arrangements and Marion and Jane receive payment.

Was found originally with a. In the letter Loesch tells Morrison that the gentleman he refers to is not worth anything financially and if Morrison is hoping to get money from him, he shouldn't depend on it being much.

Sending him a proof of an article on Stephen for his corrections. Morrison's response is included on back, in which he suggests it's inappropriate to mention Stephen's one failing and theorizes who may have written the article.

They will inter body provided guardian pays expenses. Morrison responds on back asking for what the cheapest internment would cost, says Henrietta has no guardian, and that he doesn't feel an autopsy is necessary.

C453 Description of Charlotte Foster's death & retrieval of her body by Charlotte Foster, February 11, 1865

Transcription of letter from Ann Eliza describing a letter from George Buchanan to his sister Harriet describing the impact of Charlotte's death and who she was w/ a note by Morrison regarding exhuming her.

This subseries includes business and personal records for Stephen Foster's immediate family members. Of particular note are the five ledgers/diaries created by Morrison Foster for his business concerns in the Pittsburgh area, some of which include notation of Stephen Foster expenses.

This subseries includes the business papers of Stephen Foster's father, William B. Foster, Sr. It consists of corrrespondence, papers related to court cases, the War of 1812, the establishment of Lawrenceville, and materials general by Morrison Foster related to his attempts to settle his father's estate.

Section: 1.War of 1812 Correspondence and Transactions

Scope and Content Notes:

This section contains the correspondence of William B. Foster during his years as a commissary agent for the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. Most of these papers deal with supply and military sustenance issues; occasionally a letter emerges that tells of William’s amicable relationship with several of these military officers.

D.1 Letter from Commissary General's Office to William Foster, May 21, 1814

This section is composed of papers dealing with the Federal Court Case, U.S. v. William Foster, a case in which Foster argued for years that the U.S. government owed him money for services rendered and personal money used during his years as a commissary agent. These papers contain documents dealing prominently with cases in 1822 and 1850.

D.33 Series of handwritten documents dealing with Foster's advances for the federal government, 1814, 1815, 1822

This section deals with William Foster’s prominent role in establishing the community of Lawrenceville in modern day Pittsburgh, Pa. Most of these documents are land warrant receipts and notes of the first inhabitants of the area, many of whom were soldiers who were reimbursed with land grants for their service during the War of 1812.

D.63 Receipt of money paid on estate of John A. Kritze, signed John Scotte, register, February 27, 1849

This section is composed of the personal correspondence of Morrison Foster, a son of William B. Foster and older brother to Stephen Collins Foster. Besides the general correspondence found here, a small group of Valentines are also present. Also of note is the letter from Andrew Carnegie to Morrison Foster, dated 11/24/1897.

This section deals with Morrison Foster’s inquiries into the Grant’s Hill Foundry and his father’s involvement during the War of 1812 with the naval vessel, The Enterprise. These letters largely are written during the 1880s.

This section concerns itself with the Pittsburgh Ward 17 School and the issue of building upon the Lawrenceville Burial Ground, which was established by William B. Foster. The majority of these letters and clippings deal with the 1880's court battle between the two parties regarding building rights in the area on, and adjacent to, the burial ground.

This section contains the correspondence and items dealing with Morrison Foster’s involvement with the 1886 centennial celebration of Allegheny County. Prominent in this series are letters from William Tecumseh Sherman and Rutherford B. Hayes, both of whom were invited to the celebration by Morrison Foster; both were unable to attend.

This section contains correspondence between Evelyn Morneweck and Julie McIlvaine, both of whom were descendents of the Foster family. Most of these letters contain general correspondence and date from the 1930s.

This section concerns publications and correspondence dealing with the 1955 rededication of the Foster Memorial in Lawrenceville, Pa. Among the correspondents are Evelyn Morneweck (descendent), Fletcher Hodges Jr. (director of the Foster Hall collection), and Joseph Borkowski (a local member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars).

This section contains unrelated clippings and items which are connected to the Foster family. Perhaps the most interesting item is a large pocketbook with the penciled inscription “Morrison Foster, 1863.”